Illness Is Considered A Behavioral Stressor – True Or False?

Question:- Illness Is Considered A Behavioral Stressor – True Or False?

Answer:

True. Yes, it is valid to include illness as a behavioural stressor.

Since it is predominantly a physiological state it involves a behavioural stressor by defining and influencing the subject’s actions, interactions, and psychological state during an illness period. When a person is ill, especially when the ailment is chronic, they require the modification of their way of life. For instance, a diagnosed diabetic has to change their diet ensure they do more exercises and constantly check on their blood sugar level. These changes may even be stressful to deal with, and this causes stress and anxiety to the affected individuals.

Health also includes a social factor in that an illness for instance may drain a person’s ability to socialize and make friends. For instance, subjects with chronic health conditions often volunteer or skip social engagements and gatherings, and therefore become lonely. This can cause potential strain on the relational sphere including family and friends if the sick person needs or deserves more attention.

Also, illness is not without feeling or mood implications that automatically alter a person’s behaviour. In that case, physical health issues and chronic diseases may come with anxiety, depression or other types of emotional problems. These feelings may tend to result in behavioural changes for instance the person may become less sociable or avoid particular activities.

To help to assess correctly the impact of illness as a behavioural stressor it is necessary to develop an understanding of this phenomenon. This may include consulting physicians and therapists, applying such methods as meditation, or changing the schedule to endure the disease. It is important to realize that there are behavioural patterns involved in stress and thus by appropriate coverage of this factor, one can be in a better position to handle stress about the illness.